I have mixed feelings about this past year.
Deeply tragic events hit me, my family, and my community pretty hard as young lives (and the life of an old friend) were ended all too soon. My own mental and physical health has taken a significant hit from the positive trends I had built in previous years. We had months of smoke and threatening fire. I was hours away from going on a strike--which had taken a great deal of my time and energy in my preparations for it. I've started "unfollowing" a growing number of people I care about to keep their toxicity and propaganda from filling my social feed, but this has only increased the "echo-chamber" of what I now see.
However, there have been positive sides as well. I've been working with an outstanding student teacher who has not only helped me in the classroom, but has helped me remember why I do what I do for a living. We have a wonderful exchange student from France who has brightened our house. I finally had my prospectus accepted. I had the opportunity to revisit Fairbanks with my daughter and sons. I helped coordinate a successful prom. I went on two separate summer camps and got to spend time with my younger sons. I got to reconnect with my AP World History friends and explore Kansas City, MO.
There's more for both the good and the bad, but I need to cut this short and get ready for our celebrations that ring in the new year. I pray that 2020 builds on the positives of this past year and avoids more of the negatives. Have a happy and safe New Year!
Deeply tragic events hit me, my family, and my community pretty hard as young lives (and the life of an old friend) were ended all too soon. My own mental and physical health has taken a significant hit from the positive trends I had built in previous years. We had months of smoke and threatening fire. I was hours away from going on a strike--which had taken a great deal of my time and energy in my preparations for it. I've started "unfollowing" a growing number of people I care about to keep their toxicity and propaganda from filling my social feed, but this has only increased the "echo-chamber" of what I now see.
However, there have been positive sides as well. I've been working with an outstanding student teacher who has not only helped me in the classroom, but has helped me remember why I do what I do for a living. We have a wonderful exchange student from France who has brightened our house. I finally had my prospectus accepted. I had the opportunity to revisit Fairbanks with my daughter and sons. I helped coordinate a successful prom. I went on two separate summer camps and got to spend time with my younger sons. I got to reconnect with my AP World History friends and explore Kansas City, MO.
There's more for both the good and the bad, but I need to cut this short and get ready for our celebrations that ring in the new year. I pray that 2020 builds on the positives of this past year and avoids more of the negatives. Have a happy and safe New Year!
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